MP's vow on waste plant

MP Janet Anderson and Rossendale's Labour group leader David Hancock have both pledged their support to Bacup's Sharneyford Action Group.

At a public meeting held at the Flowers, Todmorden Road, Bacup, more than 100 concerned residents raised concerns about the proposed development.

The group spoke out against plans to transform the former Todmorden Road maggot farm which sits on the border of Rossendale and Calderdale into a waste processing site.

They are calling on Calderdale Council to reject the plans after Rossendale Borough Council threw out the idea because of safety fears and traffic concerns.

Residents are worried the proposals would see up to 150 heavy vehicles thundering along Todmoden Road and throughout the rest of the Valley.

They say that waste being brought to the Sharneyford site would be coming from as far away as Grimsby.

Ron Williams, of the Sharneyford Action Group, said more than 400 letters of objections and a petition including 850 signatures had been sent to Calderdale Council.

He said: "The area is densely populated with residents who have to park on the main road because we have no off-street parking. HGVs can't pass one another as the road isn't wide enough and this already causes huge problems."

Laurie Boyle, of Cloughfold Action Group, who are opposing the development in Calderdale, said: "This is not just a local issue, it is one that will affect everyone as it will see thousands of tonnes of waste, mainly from animal products, being brought to the area. The impact on the area would be huge."

Janet Anderson added: "Calderdale Council must listen to the residents affected by this proposal and reject it.

"The amount of heavy traffic the site would generate is completely unacceptable and the thought of animal waste being transported through the Valley concerns me.

"I will be asking questions in the House of Commons about this and fully support the group."